Page 31 of Deceptive Lies

She wasn't going to scream.

Couldn’t give Professor Mahmoud the satisfaction.

But the blows wouldn't stop.

They just kept coming.

Her whole body throbbed with pain.

There was darkness all around her.

Seeping inside her.

Consuming her.

It was eating away at her resolve.

The pain was too much.

She’d done the best she could, held out for as long as she could.

But it wasn't going to be enough.

The scream was already building inside her.

Willow could feel it.

Expanding, curling out from her stomach, invading her limbs, working its way toward her mouth.

She fought against it.

Didn't want to scream.

Didn't want to show an ounce of weakness before this evil, soulless man.

It was the only leverage she had, and once she lost it, it would be all over.

There would be nothing left.

She’d lose herself.

Once that happened, she would be as good as dead.

There was no way to stop it though.

It slithered up her throat.

Then her lips parted.

Her lungs sucked in air.

Then she screamed.

“Willow. Wake up, honey. Now.”

Wake up?

She wasn't asleep.

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